Extract from PMQs: Transpennine Express - Jan 25

During Prime Minister's Questions today, Conservative Jason McCartney (Colne Valley) asked the Prime Minister about Transpennine Express.

He referred to the "dozens of daily cancellations on the line, which are causing absolute misery to his constituents going about their daily lives".

He continued..."the franchise is up for renewal in May 2023. Does the Prime Minister agree with me that unless Transpennine Express get to grips with the crisis, the Government needs to strip them of the franchise, and get someone in who will deliver reliable rail services"

Replying, Rishi Sunak said that the Government has been clear that "the current situation is not acceptable". He went on to say that "the Rail North Partnership is working with Transpennine Express on a service improvement plan, but if ministers conclude that Transpennine Express cannot be turned around, then other decision may be made"